Ideals and Images

18 Sep 2013 1 Comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , , , , ,

I’ve been out cycling, surrounded by beautiful nature all day, just wonderful, so here is a snippet of wisdom from Nichiren Daishonin, about letting go of worldly desires, and a couple of images from the ride …

New Forest Heathland Panorama

Now, if you wish to attain Buddhahood, you have only to lower the banner of your arrogance, cast aside the staff of your anger, and devote yourself exclusively to the one vehicle of the Lotus Sutra. Worldly fame and profit are mere baubles of your present existence, and arrogance and prejudice are ties that will fetter you in a next one.

~ Nichiren Daishonin

Beach Huts at Hengistbury Head

Protecting The Planet

20 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , ,

The WayThe Buddhist teaching of the Oneness of Life and it’s Environment tells us that humanity, the World and the Universe are one.

That is why, if we wish to protect the environment, we must transform and purify the Three Poisons of Greed, Anger and Foolishness, that exist in every person’s life.

The principle of Human Revolution focuses on precisely this, inner transformation at the most fundamental level through our practice.

With the decimation of the rainforests occurring at an ever increasing pace and all the talk about fracking to release huge quantities of hitherto untapped reserves of fossil fuel, in the form of gas, there has never been a more pressing time to promote responsibility in all.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

The Beauty Of Nature

23 Jun 2013 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , , , ,

The Blue Pool, near Wareham in DorsetAn afternoon of tranquillity, surrounded by the beauty of nature is good for calming the mind and lifting the life-state. The Blue Pool, near Wareham in Dorset, is a disused clay pit which has been transformed since the time of Elizabeth The First, into a magical place of woods and water, sights and sounds.

The pit provided the clay for many things over the years, but there is an interesting collection of clay pipes in the small museum adjoining the tea rooms. The Pool  constantly varies in colour. Very fine clay in suspension in the water diffracts light in different ways, producing a spectrum of colour sometimes green sometimes turquoise. The air is full of the scent of pine and the sounds of the local wildlife.

2013-06-23-902Set in a deep clay bowl, steps lead down to the waters edge or up to views of the Purbecks. The Pool is surrounded by heath and gorse with sandy paths  that take you to another world. The pines are interspersed with beautiful rhododendrons, which were looking their best after the recent rains.

A wonderful way to spend the afternoon, and a quiet topic for my one thousandth blog post.

Flying Free

14 Jun 2013 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , , , , , ,

Little Owl ChickVisiting our local Owl and Raptor centre yesterday, and seeing the birds flying around so effortlessly, reminded me of this lesson from Nichiren Daishonin in which he uses the metaphor of us as caged birds, striving to be free …

Nichiren writes: “Myoho-renge-kyo is the Buddha nature of all living beings…. The Buddha nature that all these beings possess is called by the name Myoho-renge-kyo” (wnd, 131). Regarding how to manifest one’s innate Buddha nature, Nichiren explains: “When we revere Myoho-renge-kyo inherent in our own life as the object of devotion, the Buddha nature within us is summoned forth and manifested by our chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. This is what is meant by ‘Buddha.’ To illustrate, when a caged bird sings, birds who are flying in the sky are thereby summoned and gather around, and when the birds flying in the sky gather around, the bird in the cage strives to get out. When with our mouths we chant the Mystic Law, our Buddha nature, being summoned, will invariably emerge” (wnd, 887).

In Nichiren’s metaphor, our innate Buddha nature, whose name is Nam myoho renge kyo, is a bird trapped in the cage of ignorance. In other words, our deluded minds create this cage that imprisons our Buddha nature. But when we chant Nam myoho renge kyo to the Gohonzon, which expresses Nichiren’s enlightened life and the potential of all people, our dormant Buddha nature becomes activated.

The singing of the caged bird is our chanting, and the birds flying in the sky are the Buddha nature in our environment, particularly as it is expressed in the Gohonzon. Through our chanting, the Buddha nature within our lives and the Buddha nature inherent in the universe begin their dynamic interaction.

For Nichiren’s metaphor to work, however, it is necessary for the caged bird to recognize the birds in the sky as being its own kind. In other words, when we pray to the Gohonzon, rather than thinking of it as an external power or deity, we must think of it as the mirror image of our own Buddha nature. If the caged bird thinks of itself as an elephant, it is unlikely to give the slightest thought to flying.

Nichiren Buddhism clarifies that the teaching of the Buddha nature is a teaching of faith and practice. All people have it, but not many can believe in it. Furthermore, some of those who believe in their Buddha nature may not practice to manifest it, erroneously thinking-I’m already a Buddha, so I don’t have to do anything. One’s faith in the Buddha nature must be expressed in one’s actions to manifest it.

Those who see the universal Buddha nature of oneself and others, and work to awaken it in all people are already Buddhas, for such actions belong to none other than a Buddha. As we cultivate our inherent Buddha nature through our conviction and actions to manifest it no matter our circumstances, we begin to see it and experience it. In our everyday lives, seeing may be believing. But in the world of Buddhism, believing in the Buddha nature is the first step toward seeing it.

(from Living Buddhism – February 2005)

More Pedalling About

09 Jun 2013 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , , , ,

Destination Old Harry RocksWe really have been spoiled by the wonderful weather in the past few weeks. Although there was a sneaky little wind again today, I had decided to get myself over to Studland, and then on to Old Harry Rocks for the second weekend in a row, the big difference being that today I was going to cycle there and back.

Aboard The Shell Bay To Sandbanks FerryNow anyone who has been out and about in Dorset on two wheels, will know that the landscape is anything but flat as soon as you move away from the shoreline. Getting down to the ferry at Sandbanks wasn’t any trouble, although the wind was once again blowing into my face, making it a little more taxing than necessary. I arrived just as the cars from Studland were disembarking, so paying my £1, the fee for a return trip, I got aboard and stowed the bike.

Lots Of Cycling Related CluesThe crossing takes about 5 minutes, but it was clear from the others on board, that I wasn’t the only one who had decided to go cycling today. Not only that, but there was a cycling event going on, so there were lots of cycling related vans and cars as well as dozens of bikes sporting a rather distinctive numbers sticker from the event.

Leaving the ferry at the far side was a bit of a scrum. The leisure cyclists got themselves fixed up with those competing in the cycling event and it lead to a degree of pandemonium. But having extricated myself from the throng, I set off along the aptly named Ferry Road. Initially the road is rather straight and flat, lulling the unwary into a sense of false security, it then starts to meander amongst the fields of heather and gorse and a nice downhill slope allows the rider to get up a head of speed. But don’t be fooled, in Dorset every downhill slope has an uphill climb on the other side.

Old Harry Rocks From The Knoll House HotelSo with the speed washing off all too quickly I started up the painfully steep and leg sappingly long hill towards the Knoll House Hotel, and aptly named it is. The knoll from which the hotel gets its name is a bit of an understatement, let’s be honest, it’s a proper hill, but all the effort is well worth it. As you crest the summit you are treated to a stunning view of Old Harry off to the left, framed by the beautiful landscaping of the hotel golf course. An interesting contrast of manicured lawns and raw nature.

After a couple more climbs, much more gentle in nature, I took the ecclesiastically named and quaintly narrow Rectory Road turning into Manor Road and on past the Bankes Arms. I have to admit that I walked the first part of the path past Harry Warren House, but as the incline reduced, it was lovely to ride up the South West Coast Path with views over the bay to Sandbanks and Christchurch.

Old Harry RocksOld Harry Rocks are pretty amazing really. Comprising entirely of chalk, it is rather surprising that they exist at all. The very processes that have sculpted the stacks from the cliffs must be trying to dismantle them with each and every tide and storm. The resulting spectacle has been around for hundreds, maybe thousands of years, but in time it will be reduced to rubble, similar to that around the base of the stacks. Proof, if proof be needed, that everything, even geological marvels, are impermanent. Everything changes over time.

The Twin Sails Bridge - PooleI’ll not burden you with the details of the return journey, but with a total round trip of about 28 miles, much of which was either up or down, my legs may remember this little trip for a few days yet. I have to admit that by the time I got back to Poole, I was quite looking forward to a nice hot shower and a sit down in a slightly more comfortable chair, so imagine my dismay when I found that The Twin Sails bridge was raised. Just another minor challenge, but I’m back home in one piece now.

A bike ride is a bit like life in general. There are ups, there are downs. There are times when you feel that the challenges are just too tough to overcome, but with a little determination, you find a way. The rewards of overcoming these challenges are worth every ounce of the pain.

Another brilliant day.

Glorious First Of June

01 Jun 2013 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , ,

Branksome ChineWith the glorious English summer finally arriving over the last few days, it seemed like a good time to get out in the sunshine and make the most of all the wonderful sights of the magical Dorset coast. Those of us who live in the UK know all too well, that making hay while the sun shines says it all.

Branksome ChineStarting at the top of Branksome Chine we made our way through the amazing woodland that surrounds the stream as it makes its way slowly down to the ever popular Branksome beach. Not only does the walk through the Chine do you good, but it also saves on the parking fees.

Branksome BeachBeing surrounded by the beautiful fresh leaves and shoots, along with the sounds and smells that bombard the senses, leave you stunned by how wonderful nature is. The Chine winds so gently down to the sea, you hardly notice the slope, but the stream reminds you now and again as it tumbles over a series of waterfalls, all very magical.

Old Harry RocksAfter a relaxing pit stop, it was on to Studland, via the chain ferry from Sandbanks. All rather Victorian but exciting as it was my first crossing. The ferry takes minutes to get to across, so soon we were heading off to the Bankes Arms pub, where we left the car and walked over the headland to Old Harry Rocks.

A beautiful day, beautiful weather, new sights and experiences and all within thirty minutes of home. Some people might say I am lucky to live where I do, but actually it is a combination of the causes I have made in life. Isn’t karma grand?

Click on the photos to see them full size.

Suffer Not Little Children

01 May 2013 1 Comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , , ,

Every Child Is PreciousListening to an article on Radio 4 this morning, attacking the tutoring of pre-school children, I was reminded of this explanation, by Daisaku Ikeda, of a relevant parable from the Lotus Sutra.

Every child is precious. The Lotus Sutra tells the parable of the three kinds of medicinal herbs and two kinds of trees. There are many different kinds of plants; their shape, size and nature come in myriad varieties. Some plants grow fast while others take time to mature. In this parable, however, the heavens rain upon all the plants equally, nurturing their growth. And the plants blossom and bear fruits according to their own unique character.

This parable symbolizes the Buddha’s vast compassion to nurture all living beings despite their differences. All children are different; each possesses his or her wonderful unique quality. We must pour upon all children our great love and compassion so that each child can blossom, true to his or her unique quality.

~ Daisaku Ikeda

Whilst we should nurture children’s’ growth, we should also give them all the opportunity to remain children as long as possible.

Badgering The Scientists

25 Apr 2013 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , ,

Badgering The ScientistsSometimes, being caught up in traffic can be a good thing. For example, had I sailed through to the office this morning, I might well have missed the latest round of debate on the forthcoming, and in my opinion, ill conceived badger cull, taking place in Somerset and Gloucestershire this coming summer.

A meeting will take place today at the Royal Society in London, to further examine the science behind the cull. Two of the protagonists, speaking on Radio 4’s Today program, made it clear that there is anything but consensus amongst scientists when it comes to the best way to eradicate, or even reduce, the incidence of bovine TB in the UK.

Professor Ian Boyd, for the action, said the badger cull was part of a wider set of solutions needed to combat the disease. He added: “TB is a complex and potentially quite dangerous disease. I think it would be very unfortunate if, as a result of protester activity, we lost the option in future of being able to use culling as a method in specific circumstances to control tuberculosis.”

But in contrast, Cambridge University zoologist Professor  Sir Patrick Bateson told the programme the proposed badger cull was ill thought out, difficult to monitor and evaluate. He pointed out that the number of badgers was unknown, so the proposed 70% cull is impossible to evaluate. He also revealed that both cats and rats carry the bovine TB disease.

Professor Boyd said he has some sympathy for the arguments against the cull, but also stated that badgers are the major carrier ‘as far as we know’, further admitting that the science behind the action is still imperfect at best. He proposes to ‘test the system’ to see whether it is effective, but once the badgers are dead, it’s a little late for them.

I feel that we are approaching the problem from the wrong end. Although I have sympathy for the cattle farmers or this country, I would prefer to see a campaign of cattle inoculation before we let the hunters loose on the population of one of our most iconic indigenous wild animals. At the very least, we must be certain that killing these animals will have the desired effect. There is much evidence to suggest the opposite.

Winter Wonderland

18 Jan 2013 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , , ,

Winter Wonderland - click to view full size imageWhat a wonderful surprise greeted us down here in Dorset this morning. A beautiful blanket of pristine snow had fallen perfectly and silently overnight, covering the trees, roofs, cars and roads, turning the everyday scene into a winter wonderland. It is always a privilege to see it before any footsteps spoil the perfection.

Of course, being a work day, it wasn’t quite as perfect as it might have been. There was still the job of clearing the car windows, and along with the other hardy souls, braving the conditions to make my way the twenty miles, cross country, to Ringwood.

Listening to the radio, experts and representatives of the motoring organisations were urging motorists to stay indoors and not to attempt any non-essential journeys. Ha !!! The biggest problem was circumnavigating the poor souls who had clearly never driven in snow before. I guess that might cover quite a few commuters down here in southern England.

Anyone reading this in Canada or North America, where they have snow several feet deep for months of the winter, will laugh heartily to hear that a mere couple of inches can bring UK roads to an un-gritted shuddering halt. But even having taken the time to clear the car, I was still in work on time. And I was the only one in IT who made it.

Some of the team come from further away than me, others were away on business, but it was clear that the rest had decided it was far more prudent to work from home, and why not, I cannot blame them for that. But it did make me think, that having lived in the Midlands for the first thirty five years of my life, then in the Netherlands, where they also have ‘proper’ snow, I was used to driving on the stuff, in fact I really enjoy it.

So as with all things in life, a little wisdom, borne of years of experience, stands me in good stead when the unexpected arrives, be that a sudden (though much announced) fall of snow, or any other situation that might befall me. In a world that is fast trying to ignore the assets that older people have to offer, this was a good example of how the wisdom of age can be a great benefit.

Long Overdue

13 Jan 2013 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , , ,

Bristol Zoo - Always A Favourite With The BoysMy trip up to Bristol today was long overdue. Since early September there has been one less reason to go, and a whole bunch of reasons why I didn’t, but today was set in stone and even the much promised ice and snow wasn’t going to stop me from making the trip.

Leaving just before 7:00am, I was pleased to find that the heavy frost, forecast yesterday evening, had failed to materialise, so I was able to sneak off quietly without disturbing the slumbering neighbours. The roads were very quiet and I made good progress.

Having made the journey so many times over the past twelve months, it was rather strange to find myself back outside The Cottage knowing that the rules of engagement were now so different. It was great to see that although the old sash windows had gone, the new ones looked exactly the same, keeping the nature of the place perfectly.

After a quick coffee and a chat with B it was time to scoot off to see the family. As a last minute change to the schedule, I made my way to Hannah’s, where another coffee was waiting. When Hannah and Stanley were ready, we set off to Charlotte’s stopping to pick up croissants and pastries for breakfast.

There were no solid plans for the day, but as we ate breakfast Rob got word that Jake’s football match had been postponed due to a frozen pitch. With the whole family free to partake in whatever activities we decided upon, we plumped for a visit to Bristol Zoo, always a favourite with the boys.

It was really rather colder than expected walking round the grounds of the zoo, with many of the animals having the sense to stay inside. Feeling the chill, we did the complete tour of all the warmer houses, reptiles, insects, fish etc. only venturing out again to see the seals and penguins at feeding time and the gorillas, who were busy going back indoors after being fed.

It was a lovely day. Getting back to the cars, I think we were all feeling that glow, brought on by warmth, after being out in the cold just a little too long. Back at Hannah’s, and following yet another coffee, it was time to make tracks for home. A pretty perfect day, made all the better for being way too long overdue.

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